NEW DELHI: The Election Commission on Wednesday slapped a notice on Aam Aadmi Party leader Arvind Kejriwal for distributing a pamphlet here, containing an appeal for votes on religious grounds.

The notice was issued after Rajouri Garden resident Harish Khurana complained to EC about a pamphlet distributed by AAP, in which Kejriwal presents the party as a "secular" alternative for Delhi's Muslim voters. "The BJP is a communal party ... until now, the Muslims (of Delhi) did not have an alternative. But now they have got an honest and secular alternative. I appeal to all Muslims to join AAP in its efforts to create a cleaner polity," the pamphlet quoted the AAP national convener as saying.

Holding that Kejriwal's distribution of the said pamphlet had prima facie violated the model code of conduct, the EC allowed him time until 11am on November 25 to explain why action should not be taken against him for violating sub para(3) of Para I of the model code of conduct.

According to this provision of the poll code for guidance of political parties and candidates, "there shall be no appeal to caste or communal feelings, for securing votes...mosques, churches, temples or other places of worship shall not be used as forum for election propaganda."

The EC notice said that if no reply was received within the prescribed time-limit, it would presume that Kerjiwal had nothing to say and the commission would proceed to take appropriate action without any further reference to him". The pamphlet had Kejriwal seeking Muslim votes on behalf of AAP.

"I am not seeking votes for political power or money. We want to build a corruption-free India, where people belonging to all religions can co-exist with peace and harmony," it said, while proposing AAP as an honest and secular alternative (to the Congress).

Kejriwal 'very sad' over CD controversy

Meanwhile, on the issue of a video showing anti-corruption crusader Anna Hazare purportedly expressing disappointment over the alleged misuse by Aam Aadmi Party of funds collected during the Jan Lokpal Bill drive, Kejriwal said that he was "very, very sad" over the video even as Hazare came forward to clarify that there was no "tiff" between himself and the AAP convener â€” only differences of opinion which could be sorted.

"The picture is painted as if there is a tiff between myself and Arvind, as if I have accused him. That is wrong, this is not an accusation, there are differences of opinion and we are trying to sort them out," he said.

"I could have made crores from the job I left. I have only earned honesty in my life," he said.

The video presented AAP's rivals in the Delhi assembly elections with ammunition against Kejriwal and his aides and both Congress and BJP used it to level allegations at the party which is getting ready for its first poll outing.